'Goths' join list of potential 'hate-crime' victims

City to begin recording offenses against members of subculture

Published: 04/03/2013 at 3:02 PM

LONDON (AP) — If you punch a punk in Manchester, it could be a hate crime.

Police in the English city announced Wednesday that they will begin recording offenses against members of alternative subcultures in the same way they do attacks based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

The Greater Manchester force — the first in Britain to take the step — says “Goths, emos, punks and metallers” and members of other alternative groups often endured abuse.